Woodbine Entertainment announced today that it is postponing the start of the 2020 Thoroughbred season until further notice.

The decision to postpone the start of the season was made following today's news that the Government of Ontario is mandating that all non-essential businesses be closed by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. This will limit Woodbine's backstretch to only essential care for horses and regular training operations will not be permitted.

“Considering we will only be allowing for the essential care of the horses on our backstretch, we will not be in a position to open the season as scheduled on April 18,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “As previously communicated, we are currently in discussions with government agencies to help provide the support needed for horsepeople and the horses during this time of no racing.”

Once the Government of Ontario allows non-essential businesses to re-open, training operations at the Woodbine Backstretch are expected to resume and at that time Woodbine Entertainment will determine an appropriate new start date for the 2020 Thoroughbred season.